Co-designing nature-based solutions and reimagining sustainability education for regenerative futures.

Co-designing nature-based solutions and reimagining sustainability education for regenerative futures.

CASCADE brings research, education, innovation and communities together to develop practical solutions for a more sustainable and resilient future.

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Why this matters

Soil, water, biodiversity, climate and livelihoods are connected. They can't be fixed one at a time.

CASCADE, the Centre for Achieving Sustainable Climate Action, Development and Engagement, brings researchers, students and communities together. It joins traditional wisdom with science and technology, and turns that knowledge into action.

Microbial ecology Microbiome engineering Regenerative systems Sustainability education Living traditions Citizen science Community engagement

Current chapter: Building the infrastructure

$225,000

Philanthropic commitment received for laboratory and research infrastructure in microbial ecology and microbiome engineering.

Infrastructure funded. The next need is people.

Next chapter: Putting research into action

CASCADE now needs doctoral scholars who will take this research out to communities and work alongside them.

$50,000

Current need: fund one four-year doctoral research fellowship.

  • Year 1: ResidencyThe scholar lives and learns with the community.
  • Next four years: Participatory researchWorking with community partners to turn research into practical solutions.

What your gift funds

$12,500

a year for four years

Sponsor a Doctoral Fellow

  • One full fellowship: stipend and project seed funding
  • One scholar, one village, five years of work
  • The fellowship can carry your name
$6,250

a year for four years

Co-sponsor a Doctoral Fellow

  • Half a fellowship, matched with a second sponsor
  • Same scholar, same annual report and showcase invitation

Three scholars are open for sponsorship.

THE IMPACT

Research, learning and communities, working together.

18,000+
Farmers within reach
2,000+
Students engaged
5
Regional campuses collaborating
1
International collaboration
Michigan State University, U.S.A.
1
New laboratory capability

How your gift is put to work

1. You give

A four-year commitment, paid yearly through the Somaiya Foundation.

2. SVU admits the scholar

Selected under university rules, supervised by CASCADE and the School of Education.

3. Research meets community

Residency, then participatory research in rural areas, with mentors across faculties.

4. You see the impact

A yearly report, and an invitation to the Somaiya Sustainability Dialogue showcase.

Questions donors ask

What does my gift support?

Gifts to CASCADE support its research, education, innovation and community-engagement mission. Specific areas of support may include research programs, laboratory infrastructure, students and researchers, and field-based initiatives.

Can I support a specific CASCADE initiative?

Where appropriate, donors may be able to designate their support toward specific CASCADE priorities. Contact Somaiya Foundation to discuss opportunities aligned with your interests.

Can I support research equipment or laboratory infrastructure?

CASCADE’s work depends on scientific and technological capabilities. Specific research infrastructure and equipment needs can be discussed with the CASCADE team.

How will I know what my gift accomplishes?

CASCADE and Somaiya Foundation are committed to communicating the impact of philanthropic support and the research, learning and community outcomes it helps make possible.

Can I give monthly?

Yes. Donors can choose between one-time and recurring gifts through the Foundation’s online giving platform.

Is my U.S. gift tax-deductible?

Donations made through Somaiya Foundation in the United States will receive the applicable U.S. charitable contribution acknowledgment.